Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ) is a medical diagnostic test which makes use of high frequency sound waves along with a computer to take out images of organs, tissues as well as blood vessels. What happens in Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ) test is that the sound waves tend to bounce off the body parts on which they are projected and thus send back images which help doctors diagnose the problem. The process works on various organs including breasts, pelvic area, prostate, thyroid, scrotum and vascular system.

Ultrasound devices operate with frequencies from 20 kHz up to several gigahertz. Besides medicine, Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ) is used in several other fields as well. For example, the ultrasonic devices are put into use to measure distances as well as detect objects. It is also used in nondestructive tests made on structures and objects, in several industries for mixing, cleaning and other processes.

Common Uses

The following is a list of some of the most common uses of Ultrasound or Sonography test:

Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ) for Pelvic scans: These types of Ultrasound scans are used in case of women suffering from pelvic pain. It also proves useful in case of women who have fibroids, abnormal periods, cysts and other kinds of problems related to the reproductive system.

Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ) for Abdominal scans: These types of Ultrasound scans are used to diagnose vomiting, nausea, abnormal sounds, pain and lumps. In these scans, various organs and parts may be checked and they are gall bladder, liver, pancreas, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen and large blood vessels etc.

Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ) for Pregnancy scans: Various Ultrasound scans are done during pregnancy and these are done to check for fetal abnormalities, fetal growth and development, health condition and position and age as well.

Other uses of Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ): Some other uses of Ultrasound scans include breast scans, musculoskeletal scans, eye scans to check the respective condition of these parts. Doppler Ultrasound is a special kind of an Ultrasound test which helps detect speed and direction of blood flow in some parts of the body like the legs veins and arteries.

preparation

The following are some steps that are to be taken in order to prepare for an Ultrasound ( Sonography or Ultrasonography ) test:

Usually, doctors ask people to fast for about 8 to 12 hours before their ultrasound test and especially if the ultrasound is of the abdomen. This is requested to avoid blockage of sound waves due to undigested food.

For the Ultrasound of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder or spleen etc, one is asked to eat a meal that is fat free on the evening before the test is to be performed.

For other types of Ultrasound tests, one is asked to drink a lot of water and hold the urine so that the bladder is full and thus better images are obtained.

One is also asked to inform the doctor about illnesses, injuries, overall medical condition, prescription drugs and other medical history.

Benefits

Ultrasound is considered to be an extremely safe procedure which is being done for the last 20 years. It has a good safety record and involves non-ionizing radiation.

As mentioned above, there are many uses and benefits of this test including diagnosis of injuries, illnesses, cysts, fibroids and other problems in the body and along with the exact location.

The test particularly proves useful during pregnancy since it helps check fetal growth and development and helps doctors find out if everything is normal. If not, proper methods can be followed to eliminate the difficulties.

Ultrasounds work on a variety of organs and body parts, thus proving highly beneficial.

Risks

Although there are no major risks involved when it comes to Ultrasound tests, it could produce potential biological effects in the body.

The ultrasound waves can potentially heat tissues in the body and in some rare cases it has been found that the test tends to produce small pockets of gas in the body tissues or fluids.